It took some rather controversial circumstances, but Aylesbury finally broke their hoodoo of not beating a top 3 side with this win over probably champions Evesham United.
This being the Robins' first league defeat since New Years Day demonstrated just how good a result it was for the Ducks.
Aylesbury had the better chances in a slow opening period, a Feely cross dropping to Henney who lashed over inside ten minutes, before Faulkner poked a shot wide having been played through.
Evesham scored with their first threatening moment of the game, and a really cheap goal for Aylesbury to concede. A free-kick was launched into the area and defended poorly, Gary Hay reacting to the ball ahead of Vincent to roll it home. 1-0 Evesham
A half chance followed for Nicholls, who was showing a bit more promise, coming forward but firing wide across goal and Swonnell had picked him out.
The Robins were in the ascendancy at this point and were looking to extend their lead. A long kick from goalkeeper Vaughan was allowed to bounce through to hitman Mark Owen, but he shot wide.
Mark Hands had a goalbound effort cleared off the line, before Simon Fitter hit a long range free-kick well over the bar.
The game's clear turning point came just before the interval. A hotly disputed free kick to Aylesbury fell to Faulkner in the area and his shot was only kept out of goal by the desperate hand of Steve Lutz ? who was instantly red carded and a penalty awarded; Faulkner stepping up to score easily. 1-1
The protests continued long after the goal, maybe not so much for the penalty and dismissal, but more for the award of a free kick in the first place and then an alleged foul on Vaughan. Referees don't tend to change their minds though, and the sides went into half time level.
Half-time: Aylesbury 1-1 Evesham
With a man advantage and the scores back level, the home supporters sensed a victory was on the cards, and a bright start by the Ducks only stirred such emotions further.
A rare change of kick-off policy nearly reaped rewards when Faulkner ran through straight from the restart, but slotted his shot wide of the target.
Aylesbury didn't have to wait long for a goal though, as it arrived just three minutes after the interval. Faulkner rose at a corner, and as it was turned back in Mike Feely was on hand to scramble to ball in. 2-1 Aylesbury
Nicholls went close to adding a third for his side when he picked Hayden's pocket, but his low shot was well saved by Vaughan.
On the hour mark a rare attack from Evesham came from a swift counter, and ended with Owen having a shot on the turn easily held by Vincent.
The match began to degenerate a little as the second half wore on, Swonnell had the first effort for some fifteen minutes when he hit a long range effort over the bar.
Evesham's best chance of finding an equaliser came with ten minutes remaining through substitute Danny Lennon, but as the Ducks struggled to clear their lines he couldn't get hold of his shot properly and it was comfortable save for Vincent.
That was the end in terms of efforts on goal, but it continued to be a compelling battle to the end. And when full time was blown there was delight all round as Aylesbury secured a crucial win.
